10 best long-distance moving companies in Manlius, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in important ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best long-distance movers in Manlius to help you, your family, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers often set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers typically charge based on the length of time needed for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Manlius moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Manlius

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for your needs. Below, we provide some tips on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Manlius.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Manlius several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous clients think about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Manlius also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Trustworthy movers generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the New York DMV.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is key, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration